The book tells of Stephen R. Mallory's support of naval inventions, strategy, and ideas. It also sheds light on the the successes and failures of Jefferson Davis. Durkin gives a well-balanced biography of Mallory and his life in the Confederate navy.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Joseph T. Durkin, S.J., was a Professor of History at Georgetown University and editor of John Dooley, Confederate Soldier: His War Journal.

Review:

"Mallory . . . directed the Confederate navy department with a great deal of skill and, in the Davis cabinet, was second in ability only to Judah P. Benjamin. For [his] difficult job he was better fitted than any other Southern politician, and he made policy with a laudable imagination. . . . The author has constructed a well-proportioned biography."--Mississippi Valley Historical Review

"Mallory was willing to back naval inventions, strategy, and ideas, undeterred by newness. The successes and failures of Confederate naval innovations require a precise balancing in order to determine Mallory's place in history. To a considerable extent this has been done by Father Durkin. . . . [Confederate Navy Chief also] throws much light on the larger subject of the successes and failures of Jefferson Davis." --The Journal of Southern History